First post, by atariangamer
- Rank
- Newbie
After a bit of an odd topic, I've started to bring together some parts for a computer I plan to call Neptune (after the canceled consumer version of Win2K). Intended operating system will be Windows 9x with a potential MS-DOS drive. I'm still down a few parts, but figured I would log what I currently have, because things should be speeding up soon.
The biggest question is a rather often asked question: Intel or AMD?
This is Intel. An ASUS TUSL2-C with a Pentium III-S 1.4GHz in socket. It will need some capacitors replaced, but all in all, a solid board based on i815's second step. However, there's a distinct lack of ISA slot.
This is AMD. An ABIT KT7 base with an Athlon 1Ghz in socket. I'm planning on looking for a 1.4GHz Thunderbird to even things out a bit. This board also needs some capacitors replaced, but it's a good VIA chipset board. Desirable due to that ISA slot, and it's capacity for more RAM.
I'm only building one computer right now. The other will go into storage, or to a local computer trade group I found the other day. I know loads of people here may immediately go for the AMD due to the ISA slot for DOS games, but I do have a bit of a trick.
I've got a Turtle Beach Montego II. Aureal's reference drivers include an interpreter for DOS, meaning that while it isn't native or amazing sounding, real-mode DOS games could use the Vortex II as a SoundBlaster compatible. If this doesn't work... I'll be on the hunt for some form of SoundBlaster ISA card when I'm around. Or, I don't know of too many real-mode DOS games I'll be playing. In this case, I'd rather have the nicer Windows experience...
Here are some drives. I scavenged a DVD-RW, a ZIP100, and a 40GB 7200RPM drive from my old PowerMac G4. The disc drive and hard drive were my own upgrades anyways. But I've also got this beast of a hard disk. Quantum Bigfoot TS 12.7GB. If I do end up with the AMD board, I'm probably going to load this drive with DOS specific titles and keep Windows stuff separate completely.
I have a ton of RAM, mostly PC133 CL3, but I have put in an order for 2x256MB PC133 CL2. We'll see about that.
And the only other stable thing in the build: a really lucky local find. Diamond Monster 3D II 12MB. Supposedly working, because I don't have a computer to test it in (and neither did the seller) I got it for 20$. I also have a Rage 128 and an Inno3d GeForce 2 MX 200, but I'm definitely going to look for either a nicer GF2, or perhaps a 3 or 4.
Still on the look out for a nice old case, and a power supply with a strong enough 5v and 12v rail. I've learned about a computer trade group that deals primarily in older stuff that meets tomorrow, I'm going to look there for some of the missing pieces!
But this is a start!
I work on computers all day, just to come home and play with computers all night.